The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Zachary's naive yet blunt words pierced my heart like a needle.

In his moment of illness and vulnerability, he was still thinking of the woman who had caused him to become sick.

I looked down at him.

He was clearly exhausted after his stomachache, as he had fallen asleep again after saying that.

Steven must have heard Zachary's words, too. He took my hand. "Honey."

I felt no inclination to respond. I instinctively wanted to pull away.

However, Steven tightened his grip, not allowing me to withdraw. "Today was just an accident. Mom acted without consulting us, and Zachary was sick. He didn't mean what he said."

"I can understand him," I replied, holding Zachary as I started to walk toward the exit. "He likes Jessica now. Of course, he's going to think she's wonderful."

After a pause, I continued, "Since I banned him from contacting her, his resistance will be strong at first. But Zachary isn't a bad kid. I'll guide him back to understanding who truly cares for him. "But I hope you can keep your word. I can overlook today's incident as a mistake, but I don't want there to be a next time."

As I spoke, I stopped.

Fearing I would tire myself, Steven took Zachary from my arms. "I promise that I'll do better, honey."

I looked at the sleeping child in Steven's arms and fell silent.

...

Steven parked the car when we arrived home. Seeing Zachary peacefully asleep, I didn't want to wake him up.

Just as I was about to carry him inside, Steven was already standing by the passenger door. His voice was soft as he said, "I'll do it."

Then, he effortlessly lifted Zachary with one hand while extending the other toward me.

I

his tall frame and handsome features, making him seem almost

sighed inwardly before taking his hand and stepping out of the

placed

room. Steven helped by removing Zachary's clothes and wringing out a washcloth to

finished drying him off and dressed him

into the basin and left the room with the basin in

remained seated at the edge of

The only times we seemed to coexist peacefully were when he was asleep. "Honey." Steven approached and bent down to scoop me

neck and stared at his

with his elbow and closed Zachary's bedroom door. "Do you remember what we said

had forgotten about what happened before going to the hospital.

Zachary, I seriously considered whether I should divorce Steven. But then, I thought about how Jessica was already causing trouble for Zachary even before Steven and I had divorced. What would happen after the divorce?

let our family

these thoughts. I struggled to remember what had happened before going to the

the bedroom door.

voice carried a tone of intimacy

tone was playful as he asked, "Have you remembered

to tease me, but I wasn't about to let him win.

Steven's eyes, my

sheets. My cheeks, flushed from our kiss, glowed with a vibrant charm. Steven swallowed hard. "Then, I guess I'll just

...

compounded by exhaustion that

had just been admitted to the hospital due to stomach issues. He obviously

early and prepare breakfast for

I specifically used a pot to make the oatmeal softer and more mushy. I started by boiling water on high heat, then switched to low to let it simmer. Glancing at the clock, I noted that it was still early-only a little past 5:00 am. I decided to head

I only started cooking when

dishes-one was sautéed vegetables,

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